Villa open the door: Fenerbahce target Ollie Watkins

Fenerbahce's longest-running attacking file of the summer window is approaching a critical juncture. According to Sozcu, Fenerbahce are set to hold direct talks with Ollie Watkins once the striker returns from his holiday; the Turkish giants are stepping up their pursuit of the forward, with his current club Aston Villa open to a departure.

This marks the latest chapter in a file that has run for months. According to an earlier report from Turkish-Football.com, Fenerbahce's management held face-to-face talks over Watkins in London on the same day they completed the Mason Greenwood transfer in Manchester.

Villa's stance has also become clear. It is reported that the club made clear at the meeting that letting their striker go would be difficult, noting it would be hard to find a suitable replacement in the current market; Villa's opening demand is reported to be around €40 million, with Fenerbahce attempting to close that gap through performance-related bonuses.

The contract details have also emerged. It is recalled that Fenerbahce have offered the player a three-year deal worth €10 million net per season, and that the 30-year-old England international has given his green light to the move in principle.

However, the process cannot be said to be fully settled. It is also noted that Watkins' own camp had previously stated he was focused on the World Cup and would hold no talks until the tournament concluded; with two years remaining on his Villa contract and having played a key role in the club's Europa League triumph last season, Watkins' final decision has yet to be confirmed.

Source: Sozcu
Image: Cumhuriyet